Discover

'a silver thread in a ribbon of green'

flowing through Edinburgh

A healthy river cared for by its community

The Water of Leith Conservation Trust works to improve and protect the river, its heritage and wildlife: the Trust promotes education and recreation through the Visitor Centre and works with volunteers and community groups to deliver around 250 river clean-ups and habitat improvement tasks annually. 

Operating since 1988, it was the first river charity to be established in Scotland. Support our work by becoming a member, sending a donation or joining the hundred-strong team of volunteers who are involved in projects on the river and in running the Visitor Centre.   

The Trust is a registered Charity (number SC000015). Our work is supported by City of Edinburgh Council’s Services for Communities and Communities and Families Departments.

 

Latest News

Walkway Closure: Balgreen to Murrayfield to end of March 2026
Please be advised that the Water of Leith Walkway will closed between Balgreen and Murrayfield due to essential sewer network improvements by Scottish Water

A local diversion is available

 

The Walkway

13 mile walkway winding through our capital

Visitor Centre

Open daily 10am to 4pm, community café & exhibition

The River

Edinburgh’s hidden natural asset

The Trust

Conserving and enhancing the river since 1988

Volunteering

Join the team and help protect the Water of Leith

Learning

Discover more on one of our learning programmes or activities

Featured Events

Mon 9th Feb

Members Talk – Historic Water of Leith Mills – an Artist’s View

POSTPONED FROM 26TH JANUARY – Alan Lucas, son of the artist Edwin G. Lucas, takes us on a trip down the Water of Leith from Currie, via Juniper Green and Colinton Dell, to Slateford.
7pm
£7 - Free for Member

Tue 17th Feb

Cosy Camp – how to be cosy outside in winter (with pancakes)

This pancake day join us in the wood to create the ultimate cosy camp, complete with outside cookery area
1.30pm to 3.30pm
£7 per child (accompanying adult free)

Thu 19th Feb

MUD!!

a playful outdoor event where children can dig, splash, and explore nature in the messiest, most joyful way
1.30pm to 3.30pm
£7 per child (accompanying adult free)

Latest News & Blog Posts

News

Coalie Park fully open and community Coalition takes shape

Everything at Coalie Park is now fully open, and the transformation is already being enjoyed by local residents. After months ...

News

Visitor Centre Volunteers: Our Unsung Hereos!

Centre volunteers enjoying a summer picnic during a training session - find our more about this incredible team who keep ...

Learning

Winter field studies on the river — Keeping it safe

It’s a cold, rainy and a bit dreich at this time of year, but the outdoor learning team kept busy ...

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